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There is nothing like the lure of trading commodities for a living. Many people are trapped in boring jobs that drive them to the brink of a mental meltdown. If you want a blow-by-blow recap of one such case, read Market Rap by Art Collins. This book gives the author’s personal struggle to break out of the humdrum life as an auto finance officer into the exciting world of trading commodities at the Chicago Board of Trade.


From Part Time to Full Time Commodity Trader

I have to hand it to Art Collins on his brutally honest depiction of his struggles to become a commodity trader and his struggles as a commodity trader. Most people would have been happy to be in his position of having a comfortable job and ultimately taking over the family auto dealership. Obviously, that is not what he wanted out of life.

From the first time he visited the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, he felt that was his calling in life – to be a commodity trader. You have to respect someone who follows his dreams, especially through adversity. The author started out as a part-time trader and eventually became a full-time trader. Bare in mind, this is not one of those books about a superstar trader that turned $600 into millions. It is about the ongoing education of a commodity trader who is struggling to keep his head above water. There really is no fluff in this book; it is just an honest depiction of one man’s journey as a commodity trader – the good times and the bad times.

Commodity Trading Systems

The author also throws in many trading tips and stories of real world trading in this book. Surprisingly, he gives you the actual commodity trading systems that he used or maybe still uses. Most of them are back tested with actual hypothetical profit and loss results in this book. Many of the systems are fairly simplistic where you buy or sell on breakouts. Some of the systems take a more unique approach and make you think about the logic.

Still Struggling as a Commodity Trader

Art Collins does not expect anyone to believe he is a superstar trader. However, in some aspects, he has done what few people have – he traded commodities on the exchange floor and he survived. Many traders wash out within six months, but he has endured.

Many books on trading commodities will just discuss different trading strategies with little real world examples. Market Rap is a complete real world experience. Trading commodities is not easy and the author is living proof of that. He develops and trades solely off mechanical systems, where there is no plan for second guessing – just takes the trades. Well, the author shows you how that is sometimes easier said than done.

This was a very enjoyable read and a unique perspective into the world of trading commodities. Many commodity traders will likely relate to many of his experiences and new traders can learn from his experiences.

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